Equality Scheme 2016 - 2020

In 'Equality and diversity'

The University of Birmingham was established on an equal opportunities ethos in 1900 to admit women and men of all religious backgrounds on equal terms. Today, that commitment to equality is still at the heart of our vision and mission as a modern, global university. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive learning and working environment, where equality is promoted, diversity is valued and discriminatory behaviour is not tolerated.

Our Equality Scheme for 2016-2020, 'Advancing Equality, Valuing Diversity' sets out how we will put these values into practice, our equality objectives for 2016-20 and the actions we will take to promote equality, prevent discrimination and promote greater understanding between different groups of people. In particular we need to take action to increase the diversity of our leadership and senior academic staff, increase ethnic diversity amongst our Professional Services staff and address student attainment gaps and completion rates.

I am committed to ensuring that significant, measurable progress is made on these issues and that we remain fully receptive to long-term cultural change.

Professor Una Martin, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equalities

Equality Scheme themes and equality objectives

The Equality Scheme has been developed via an assessment of our achievements to date, benchmarking against good practice in the sector, data analysis and a staff and student survey which asked respondents to identify the one key change the University should make to improve equality. The University's equality objectives for the next four years were then developed from this evidence base and are grouped under four themes:

Inclusion: We provide an environment that is accessible, welcoming and safe

We are inclusive of and address the needs of our diverse community

Accessibility is a key component of all campus developments

We have a zero tolerance culture in relation to discrimination and harassment

We will host a vibrant programme of activities to underpin our equalities agenda

Attainment: Everyone can flourish and succeed to the best of their abilities